Protests erupted in Los Angeles and New York City over the weekend, leading to clashes between demonstrators and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The unrest followed federal operations aimed at removing undocumented immigrants, sparking anger among protesters who oppose such actions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, defended the government’s response during an appearance on ABC’s "This Week." He supported Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s suggestion to deploy U.S. Marines to help control the situation, stating that it would not be an excessive measure. Johnson emphasized the need to uphold federal laws and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their handling of the protests.
President Donald Trump also weighed in, suggesting that if local leaders could not restore order, he would consider federal intervention, including the use of the California National Guard. He believes that federal action is necessary to protect citizens and maintain law and order in the face of what he described as rioting and looting.
During the protests, tensions escalated as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement. Hegseth indicated that the Department of Defense was mobilizing the National Guard to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. He warned that active-duty Marines could be deployed if violence persisted.
Johnson remarked that maintaining peace through strength is crucial, both domestically and internationally. He argued that the mere threat of military presence might deter further violence. However, when pressed about the implications of sending Marines into American cities, he maintained that it was essential to be prepared for such actions if necessary.
Governor Newsom responded sharply to Hegseth’s remarks, calling the idea of deploying active-duty Marines against American citizens "deranged." He criticized the federal government’s approach and called for a more measured response to the protests.
The protests were fueled by a broader debate over immigration policy and the federal government’s role in enforcing immigration laws. The demonstrations were marked by passionate displays of dissent, with many participants expressing their opposition to ICE’s activities and the perceived militarization of law enforcement.
The legal framework for deploying the National Guard in such situations is complex. While the president can call upon National Guard troops under certain circumstances, he typically needs the approval of state governors. The Insurrection Act, which allows for military intervention during times of unrest, was not invoked by Trump during this incident.
As tensions remain high, the situation in Los Angeles continues to evolve, with both local and federal authorities monitoring the protests closely. The outcome of this unrest could have significant implications for immigration policy and law enforcement practices moving forward.